While planning my island hopping adventures, the people I spoke to all had one (very) common thing to ask me. 4 different islands in Cyclades? How different can the islands be? Boy, do I now know, how different the islands can be. Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades region, is well known for its agriculture due to it’s fertile soil. A restaurant we dined at in Mykonos, told us their lamb actually comes from Naxos because it is tasty.
If you are looking for a party island/great beaches, skip Naxos. But, if you are looking to explore something apart from booze and beaches, Naxos will be your #1 choice. It’s mountainous regions offer a very different perspective stay to your typical image of what an island should be.
We had no complaints about our amazing stay at Ampelos Suites (SGD 60/night) located very near the square in Naxos (which is walkable from the port, about a 10-15 min, depending on how heavy your luggage is). We got a free upgrade to the suite as we indicated we were on our honeymoon. Reception staff was friendly and very helpful.
First order of business, after checking in, was to grab some lunch. We were recommended Maro Tavern (very close to the square), by the hotel staff. A very cozy and homely feel when you step foot in Maro. Food doesn’t disappoint either. After lunch, we picked up a rental car (40E, for 48 hours). We were recommended to take a FIAT panda so that the car won’t struggle when going up the mountain areas of Naxos. We had no problems at all with the car when we drove the next day, so that was a very useful tip by our rental shop.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the western side of Naxos by driving along the coast. We stopped at Agios Prokopios Beach to catch sunset with some drinks. As we were in Naxos, early in the season, there weren’t too many restaurants that were open. But, the plus was, we had the beach all to ourselves. Not a bad trade off, eh.
Prawn and fish with greek salad (always a staple) for 28E
We were recommended to dine at Flamingo Restaurant by our “non-greek” photographers-turned-friends. But, to be honest, unfortunately, our experience wasn’t fantastic. A lot of items were not available partly because we arrived for dinner quite late and also because, it wasn’t full season yes. But, nonetheless the Greek hospitality is something that blows you away each time you visit a restaurant even if the food doesn’t.
We begun our next day early for our real adventures! But, first a good brekkie and coffee before we hit the road. We started our morning at Padelis’ Coffee Shop on two of our three morning in Naxos. 🙂
Breakfast spread for 20E
Stop #1: Dimitras Temple
Stop #2: Drive through Halki and Filoti towns
Church at Filoti
Picturesque corner of Filoti
Chanced upon this cute little store as we drove out of Filoti town
Stop #3: Lunch at Apiranthos
Aperinthian Woman’s Association
Interior of a supermarket to blow you away
Stop #4: Weavers at Moni (personal fav!)
A community of weavers nestled in this small village tucked away in the centre of the island.
A lady kind enough to open up her workshop (i.e. home) up for us
Unparalleled views while driving
Stop #5: Castro, Castle of Naxos
Stepping into 1207
Chanced upon a royalty while walking into the castle who took us right into her shop (she lives right above the shop, holy cow! what are the odds!)
Stop #6: Sunset at Portara
Ended the day with dinner at Duokato restaurant.
Greek salad and octopus in tomato sauce and fried potatoes (20E)
Travel Tip: Another pitstop I would have loved to visit was Mount Zas Cave, the highest peak on the island. However, we were advised we wouldn’t have enough time to slot in a trip to the cave, if we were trying to get back to the town by sunset.
Day trip to Paros
The following day, we did a day trip to Paros. Again, when planning our trip, some told us Paros is better island to be at than Naxos. But, to be honest, we choose to stay in Naxos solely because we couldn’t find an accommodation better or at least comparable to Ampelos Suites (at that price range). So, we told ourselves, a day-trip would work so we won’t miss out on the fun. And it surely was! Loved our day-trip out to Paros. Tickets costed us 42E for the 2 of us.
Paros is better known for their beaches and beach bars (Santa Maria and Punda Beach Club). It’s interesting to note that, despite both islands being so close to each other (under an hour ferry ride away), the feel of the island are very different.
Picked up a smart car at Sardis Rentals to explore Paros for 20E
Plenty of beaches all around Paros for swimming as well as water sports even at Santa Maria Beach. But, our personal favourites were Kolympethres Beach as well as Faragas Beach. The waters were so crystal clear it’s impossible to resist jumping in.
If this isn’t bliss, I don’t know what is [waters of Kolympethres Beach]
Both meals at Christiana’s as well as Alyki Restaurant were amazing! Highly recommend Alyki Restaurant especially. Also, while in Paros, be sure to stop by Lefkes Village just for a bit. Getting lost in the narrow alleys without crowd (think Mykonos) feels amazing.
Calamari (not featured), crab salad and fish for 35E
Amazing grilled fish (not featured) at Alyki Restaurant
Exploring Lefkes Village
We caught the 8.45pm ferry from Paros and reached Naxos in time for dessert before calling it a night. 3 nights in Naxos was just about right to get ready for the throng of people that awaited us at our next island. It’s time for Santorini, woohoo!
All images belong to Solosingaporean unless otherwise credited for. Please give credit where it’s due.
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